Residents across the Eastern Cape have until early March to formally object to controversial name changes that were officially gazetted on 6 February, marking the start of a critical one-month objection period.
The proposed Eastern Cape name changes, approved by Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie, would see five municipalities renamed: Graaff-Reinet to Robert Sobukwe, East London to KuGompo City, Aberdeen to Xamdeboo, Adendorp to Bishop Limba, and Barkly East to Ekhephini.
Political parties divided over name changes
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has criticised the minister’s decision on the Eastern Cape renaming process, with Shadow MEC Leander Kruger MPL stating: “The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie misled the people of the Eastern Cape when, a year and a half ago, he told the media that he was not approving the name changes for Graaff-Reinet and that there were bigger issues that needed attention.”
The DA questioned the legitimacy of the name change process, noting these municipal renamings had previously been rejected.
The party shared that it supports “reconciliation and nation-building” but believes “true reconciliation is built through unity, dialogue, and respect for communities – not through decisions imposed without meaningful public participation.”
However, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) welcomed the Eastern Cape changes, calling them “a long-overdue act of historical justice.”
EFF National Spokesperson Sinawo Thambo argued: “This renaming is a necessary ideological intervention in a country whose geography still highlights colonial conquest. Colonial names were never neutral but they were instruments used to impose authority, legitimise land theft, and normalise the domination of African people.”
The EFF praised Robert Sobukwe as representing “the highest ideals of revolutionary integrity” as PAC founding president, contrasting this with colonial administrator van de Graaff, whose “tenure involved misconduct, including behaviour that led to his removal from office.”
East London residents launch petition
Meanwhile, East London residents have launched a Change.org petition calling for a local referendum on the proposed name change to KuGompo City. The petition argues the decision was made by individuals who do not reside within the community, and it feels “like a decision imposed without proper consultation.”
The East London to KuGompo City renaming has generated significant community opposition, with residents demanding greater consultation in the South African name change process.
All objections to the Eastern Cape name changes must be submitted to the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture within the one-month period.
PE Express
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